Okay, I love this time of year. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, and all the stuff that goes with it. The music, the food, the decorations, etc. It's also a very hard time of the year emotionally for me. I lost a pregnancy on Thanksgiving 11 years ago. Then 9 years ago my dear Daddy died the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year that date just happens to be ON Thanksgiving. The following year a really good friend lost his mom on Christmas, and after just loosing my dad the year before it hit me really hard. This roller coaster of emotions is hitting me hard this year. I'm not sure why, it just is. Is it like this for anyone else? I know we have some that suffer from SAD (seasonal depression). I've looked into light therapy for Robin (he seems to have a few months that are harder for him in the winter/early spring). I wonder if I should get one of the lights and maybe it would help me, too. I know I mentioned a while back about Robin's therapist thinking I could use medication for depression, but I don't think I'm that bad. Maybe mild depression, but nothing that I honestly think needs medicating. I have had more "funks" lately, though. Robin has an appointment with his pdoc on the 15th. Maybe I'll talk to him then. Just thinking "outloud".

By My3cuties on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 04:34 pm:

Oh, Cat Im so sorry, I know I get somewhat depressed when the days get shorter. The beautiful lights always make me feel better, I dont know what light therapy is but it sounds like it is worth a try. ((((((((hugs))))))))

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 05:10 pm:

Cat, I wonder if maybe you have the wrong idea about anti-depressants. I am seeing my family doc on Monday for my checkup, and intend to ask him for a mild anti-depressant for the next few months, as I definitely get SAD this time of year every year, plus as much as I love being with family and planning and buying the "right" gifts for people, I loathe the fuss and bother and hustle-bustle of this time of year. Robin's therapist may be thinking of that kind of anti-depressant for you - a light medication that takes the edge off or helps to cut through the fog (as I usually describe it) of mild depression that takes just enough of the pleasure out of life to make your days not much fun. As I recall, the medication I took last year was Celexa. I can tell you that it did not in any way interfere with my mental or physical activities, but I felt a lot less dragged down by the necessity of getting up in the dark and having it dark when I left work, I got a lot less frustrated by trivial things, and had a much better mood all round. And when the days got longer and the sun didn't set until after 6:30 p.m., I had no problem stopping taking it.

I also keep lights on a lot more than most people do, and use brighter bulbs. I just like a good light for reading, and don't like dimly lit rooms. What I spend for electricity is more than balanced by how much better I feel.

You refer to a "mild" depression. First, if you had a constant "mild" headache or sinus infection, or muscle ache, wouldn't you take medication? Second, mild depression can sometimes (not always) lead to deeper depression - as a chronic condition, if it is not addressed it can spiral slowly downwards. You say you have had more "funks" lately - could that be a warning sign.

And, finally, how does your "mild" depression affect your interactions with your family, your patience, your ability to deal with annoyances and irritations? Do please think about it.

By Vicki on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 06:58 pm:

I can definately relate to what your talking about too. I lost my mom 18 years ago now and it is ALWAYS hard on me during the holidays. We lost my Grandmother (my moms mom) this year and this will be the first Thanksgiving without her too. I am having allot of my Aunts and Uncles (my moms brothers and sisters) to my house tomorrow and I know that the topic of Grandma and mom will come up. It is a hard time of year, but I don't let it get me too down. (((HUGS)))

By Ilovetom on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 08:04 am:

Cat- I can relate. I think we have posted about this before. It has been 5 Thanksgivings since my Daddy passed and it still dampens it.

Thinking of you today.

By Beth on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 11:12 am:

I hope you have a great day! ((Hugs))

By Cat on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 11:45 am:

Thanx for all the hugs.

Ginny, I'll definately think about what you said in your post. Thanx.